What should be a downhill bike? Review of the five best downhill bikes Cannondale downhill bikes

Every cyclist living in a hill city knows the area well and has already explored all the routes in search of the path with the least rise. But there are people who get bored when driving on smooth, gentle and equipped roads. These active people love downhill biking and sometimes get off the straight track in search of the steepest and longest downhill. A difficult uphill climb for them will be a serious test and a way to get away from the problems of everyday life.

When it's a tough day and everything seems depressing, DH fans don't give up. When it rains outside and a cold gusty wind blows so strong that even the prospect of leaving the house seems unreasonable, they go for broke and have a blast on the hill. The steepest hill becomes the best place for your desired workout. And the resulting adrenaline and a sense of accomplishment will never hurt.

Of course, it is dangerous to go down the slope at a speed of about 60 or even 70 km per hour, but in racing on equipped mountain roads, even this is not the limit. If you want to set a record in downhill, athletes sometimes accelerate to a speed of 80 km per hour. What happens at this speed when falling? Experienced riders can avoid injury through experience and a safety helmet. And on a bicycle, when hitting a sharp stone, followed by a fall, the rider most often breaks.

Celebrate your victories!

It is clear that the best reward after a long climb is a rapid descent down the mountainside. But you will remember your victory for a very long time and dream about the next race if you stop for a second and enjoy every moment. A short stop at the top is worth a lot, allowing you to calm your breath in a minute, stretch your shoulders, feel the flow of blood and smile naively, but from the bottom of your heart. When you fly down, you will remember this moment with peace.

Introduction to the downhill bike

A downhill bike (also known as a full-suspension mountain bike) has front suspension and must rear wheel. It is designed for descending on particularly steep, rocky trails. Unlike a regular mountain bike, the frame of a downhill bike is thick-walled and has a large margin of safety.

Downhill bikes are very similar due to the wide and strong frame. The frames on these bikes are designed to absorb shock when riding over rocky roads and moving over logs, as well as when making jumps. The style of riding these bikes is also very similar.

Compared to lighter and more versatile cross-country bikes, downhill bikes are heavy and highly specialized. A downhill bike is primarily designed for downhill racing. A mountain rider generally does not need to push it up on their own. Sometimes you can use your car or taxi to transport the bike up the mountain. There are ski lifts on the equipped slopes.

Downhill bikes typically exceed 34 pounds (14 kg), but some modern downhill bikes ski slopes passed the 30-pound barrier, for example, the Specialized Demo 8 S-Works marvel of engineering weighs just over 23 pounds or 10 kg. Some of the newer May 2014 Dinehill bikes can also be made from carbon to save up to 30 pounds (14 kg), such as the Trek Session 9.9 or the Kona Supreme Operator.

Specialized Demo 8 S-Works Downhill Bike with Lightest Carbon Frame

Design features of downhill bikes

Downhill bikes are usually made of aluminum, but carbon models are also available. They are designed so that their rear suspension travel is unrealistically wide - 7-10 inches (178-254 mm). Front fork compression is also significant at 7–8 inches (178–203 mm). Suspension sag under the weight of the rider is much greater than for cross country bikes (25-50% for a downhill bike versus 10-20% for a full-suspension touring bike). Such a soft suspension is needed to travel over logs and stones at the highest possible speed.

Basic measurements on a downhill bike frame

Downhill bikes also feature very low head tube angles (head tube angles of 66 degrees or less), long wheelbases (wheelbases greater than 45 inches or 1143 mm) and the ability to use very wide tires - up to 3 inches (76.2 mm). ) with large lugs. Very wide and thick-walled tires are important in order not to lose grip on the road where it is difficult to keep even on your feet.

Chain guide on a downhill bike

Other cool options include 8-inch (203 mm) disc brakes and a chain guide to prevent it from falling off when going downhill. Another innovation is the use of a OnePointFive standard stem (single mount with five grips) that fits onto a thick 1.5" (38mm) head tube rather than the more traditional 1.125" (29mm) tube.

Thus, an additional margin of safety and inflexibility of the steering wheel is achieved. An angle-adjustable stem allows the bike to be adapted to the owner's preferred riding style.

Tilt-adjustable 5-grip stem

Most downhill bikes have dual crown front forks that provide very long travel (typically up to 8 inches or 203mm). These forks have increased strength, which can not be found in a single-crown front rack. The disadvantage of the two-crown design is that it has an increased weight and a limited turning radius.

How to master downhill?

You will have to struggle for a long time before you learn how to shift weight, pedal and breathe properly on your epic, but manageable uphill climb. The subsequent descent is just as difficult, although it is completely different from the ascent. In general, the skill of downhill will have to be learned.

In the first rides on a steep descent, every novice cyclist applies the brakes and slowly, jerkily slides down, while the hands sweat and quickly become numb. The ability to quickly move out is an important skill that can only be acquired as a result of long practice. Gradually, you will go through the turns faster, modulating your speed, and learn to pre-peddle in a position in which the lowered foot will always be on the outside of the turn. It will not be superfluous to learn to relax your shoulders and arms before every bump on the road so as not to damage your spine.

Downshifts

Eat good advice, which will help everyone get along with the gear shifters on their bike. You need to know that even when descending a hill, you need to shift to a lower gear slowly but surely, while not stopping pedaling non-stop. On the contrary, you need to switch to a higher speed gear as quickly as possible so as not to spin the pedals in vain and not lose precious speed.

You will select the optimal gear too slowly, and you will need to shift at some point through many sprockets under drastically changing road conditions. Since the shifting skill remains in muscle memory, then you will eventually be able to get into the rhythm with the speed of rotation of the rear wheel. The only way to learn this is to conquer as much as possible large quantity hills.

Full control over your brakes

There is a myth that braking on a downhill turn is bound to lead to a fall. In fact, by lightly braking the rear wheel, you can make a sharp turn on a steep descent much faster than without using the brakes. It's like skidding in a car, only more sensitive and manageable. But don't take my word for it, go outside and experience it yourself.

Not using the brakes in a straight line when going downhill is also dangerous because it increases the risk of losing control of the situation. When you have to urgently slow down, you will sharply throw your fingers on the brake levers, and if you press uncontrollably, they will jam very quickly. In this case, a fall on a steep descent is quite likely. Therefore, always keep the brake levers under control with two fingers.

Don't stop half way! You need to continue to master downhill cycling: press the pedals, breathe deeply, keep your eyes on the finish line. And go! You can do the same tricks as in this video.

Downhill is an extreme style of cycling. This discipline is one of the most spectacular, but at the same time traumatic.

Riders very often fall and get, but it's hard to describe in words the sensations that they experience when they race down a steep slope.

The main task of a downhill cyclist is to overcome a technical track on a slope.

Throughout the distance are various obstacles. They can be natural, such as roots, rocks, and cliffs, or artificial, such as springboards and ladders.

For such aggressive riding, special bikes are required. What should be a downhill bike?

Structural characteristics of a mountain double suspension

Bicycles for aggressive extreme riding are very different from.

Moreover, the main difference lies not in the presence of a rear shock absorber. Features lie in the little things that may be invisible to the average amateur.

First of all, a downhill bike should have long-travel suspension.

Bicycles and scooters

Its design is designed in such a way that when performing, jumping and driving over strong bumps, the top tube of the frame does not interfere with the rider. Due to this, the landing of an extreme two-suspension bike is not suitable.

Much attention is paid to assembly technology and materials. A DH bike must be very strong and fairly light. The most common material for these bikes is high-tech aluminum, but there are also carbon fiber models.

When driving through strong bumps, a large number roots and other things, it is necessary to include a “lower” gear (1-3). This will not only allow you not to exert great effort on acceleration and pedaling, but also facilitate maneuvering.

On long descents, riders sometimes manage to get some rest. But even in these moments, free from the conquest of all obstacles, the cyclist should not forget to pedal. It is necessary to turn on the most and try to develop.

On a normal descent, it's best to keep the chain on the medium chainring so that you can react in time and switch to either the small or large chainring.

Driving safety without falling

Nobody likes it, but extreme riders can't do without it. To minimize unpleasant falls, it is necessary to take into account a number of points and develop some qualities in yourself.

First of all, you should not go fast on an unfamiliar path. It is not known what can be under the wheels of a bicycle on an untrimmed descent.

For example, professional athletes always walk the entire route on foot before a race to explore it.

Do not immediately climb a steep descent, especially for beginners. You must first conquer simple and specially prepared tracks. Even small bike parks have trails for beginners.

Riding downhill trails requires perfect coordination from cyclists. For its development, it is necessary to perform various exercises, which in addition will strengthen the muscles.

Even if you always follow the rules for driving on steep descents, you must be prepared for a fall. It is advisable to hone this “skill” in the gym on mats. A proper fall can save you from serious injury.

In addition, even when riding on familiar slopes, you should always wear:, goggles, neck protection, and knee pads.

What is downhill cycling? Downhill is very dangerous and exciting racing look sport, the rules of which are that cyclists for downhill ride for a while on a difficult road (with pits, branches, stones) from a steep mountain. It is often carried out on the ski slope. The height during the competition changes dramatically every 2 km, so the participants are taken to the start using lifts. The speed is very high and varies from 25 to 60 km/h.

On ordinary transport, it is impossible to overcome such a route without obtaining serious injuries. Manufacturers have invented a special bike for downhill. Lots of assortment various kinds. Despite this, they have the same design.

The following models are often purchased:

• Scott
• Ghost
• Giant
• Cannondale
• rock machine
• stark
• Eltreco
• Orbea
• Merida

Detailed characteristics of bikes

Kona Stinky Six

The Kona is the most sought after downhill bike. This model is conveniently constructed and has a custom design. There is a pair of shock absorbers that have a medium freeride hitch. Transmission, 18 speed, disc brake, 1.6 cm fork.

cube

Bavarian mountain bikes over 200 types. German quality has made this transport so popular. It perfectly resists oncoming air and is reliable in operation. Relatively light weight adds to its advantages.

The semi-professional model Cube Fritzz 160 HPA - 2014 has a disc-based brake, 1.6 cm fork and 27.5-inch wheels. Professional Stereo 120 HPC PRO 29 -2014 is designed for very steep mountain road (for high speed downhill**-bike*). It has disc brakes and 29" wheels. These bikes cost between $2,370 and $2,500.

Scott

This full-suspension extreme rider is very comfortable to use. His qualities: the most a light weight and high headwind resistance.

The 2017 Gambler 710 Professional Downhill Bike* is designed for true downhill idols. It helps to overcome the most sophisticated obstacles. Rugged aluminum body, wheel diameter is 27.5”, fork length is just over 2 cm. The competitor has the ability to adjust the height of the carriage and the angle of the steering wheel. Shimano 10 speed transmission.

The bike Gambler 730 - 2016 has a lot of features. The frame of the 6061 downhill bike is made of aluminium. The Shimano Deore braking system works under pressure. The stroke is about 2 cm, and the fork is about 3 long. The weight of the unit is 18.5 kg, the speeds reach 8.

Ghost DH7000

This SUV can perform various tricks associated with jumping. A very durable vehicle. Great height and serious obstacles are his forte. Budget option.

Giant

Famous brand. The body of the bike for this sport is made of full carbon fiber. The suspension is located at the back. Lacquer paint sparingly applied in 2 coats.

The Stanke 2 is an aluminum variant with 27.5-inch wheels and disc-based brakes under pressure. The speeds reach 9 and shift in the Shimano Alivio way. Double rims, Shimano HG20 cassette. Approximate cost - 1920 dollars.

Glory 27.5 2 reaches 9 speeds. Brake system based on discs under the action of pressure and Sram hitch x5. Aluminum body. The price is approximately $3450.

Cannondale

These premium downhill* bikes from America are renowned for their hand built quality. Frames are made of heavy-duty material (aluminum). When buying from official dealer, the cyclist will receive a lifetime warranty. 150 models, this is not the manufacturer's limit.

Professional bike Jekyll 3- 2016. Aluminum body, speeds up to 20, disc brakes acting under pressure. The wheel diameter is 27.5 inches. Selling price is about $4,800.

Rock Machine Whizz 50

Mountain downhill bike for professionals of their hobby. Ideal for off road and city riders. There are special features. Fork Shox Boxxer RC.

Stark Devolution

Suitable for both amateurs and downhill masters. Overcomes extreme obstacles on mountain slopes. Double suspension, 2 cm long fork, hydraulic disc brake system. Speeds up to 9.

Eltreco

Manufacturers are South Korea and China, Japanese and Australian designs. In Russia, where the head office is located, these models are tested for European quality. Very reliable parts from world famous manufacturers: Shimano, Kenda, KS, etc. Environmentally friendly material is the main goal and advantage of the manufacturer. The range is very diverse.

The Prismatic II Carbon 2000W Electronbikes (2016) with a carbon frame is a two-suspension version that weighs 37kg. Transport with aluminum rims and 8 speeds. Brake hydraulic system based on discs, fork length is approximately 2 cm, wheel diameter is 24 inches. Power 500 w with a margin (50 km), 8 cassette stars. The mountain bike is priced at $5,400.

Sparta New Lux (2016) with an aluminum frame has two suspensions. Transport with 7 speeds. Hydraulic disc brake system, Denzel fork, 24" wheel diameter. Power 500 w with a margin (40 km), stroke exceeds 1.5 cm, speed up to 45 km/h. The mountain bike is priced at $3,360.

Orbea Sport 27 30

This entry-level downhill vehicle has become a favorite of many. It is suitable for competitions on a cross-country road or other track. Speeds reach 21. Shimano features: aluminum body, M3030 Suntour fork, Orbea DW rims, high quality V-Brake rim brake system.

Merida

This model has various downhill bikes. Merida is a reliable transport at an affordable cost.

One -Twenty Juliet with "Prologo" anatomical seat is made for women. Aluminum body with 27.5" wheels. Speeds up to 22, brake hydraulic system based on discs, the fork has a length of 1 to 1.5 cm. The cost is about $ 4,700.

Merida One-Forty 700 -2017 is a dynamic and agile bike for professionals. Aluminum frame with 2 hangers. Wheel diameter 27.5 inches, speeds reach 22, front and rear Shimano XT brake system. Light weight vehicle (14 kg). The price is 6050 dollars.

Features of transport for Downhill racing. Its design

Because Downhill bikes face various difficult obstacles, they have a very thick frame and reliable parts, shock absorption of the front and rear wheels. Crashing into stones, the unit will not receive dents. Freeride and downhill bikes are very different. The latter is highly specialized. High speed is his element.

Weight generally starts at 34 pounds. Some exceptional miracle models weigh almost no more than 30 pounds. In May 2014, a batch of carbon fiber, a lightweight material, was released.

Design

Downhill bikes have the following features:

• The design of mountain transport has the following features:
• Material: aluminum or carbon (less often)
• Rear suspension travel: 7 - 10 inches (17.8 - 25.4 cm)
• Suspension sag under the competitor: 25 - 50% (for soft landings and high speed obstacle crossings)
• Downhill fork, front: 7 - 8 inches (17.8 - 20.3 cm)
• Long travel (if the fork is two-crown, more reliable): up to 8 inches (20.3 cm)
• Steering angle: up to 66o.
• Stem: OnePointFive (attached with five grips). It can be adjusted according to the route plan.
• Handlebar tube diameter: 1.5 inches (3.8 cm). The wheel cannot be bent.
• Wheel diameter: from 45 inches (114.3 cm), it is possible to use the most wide wheels with large grouser - up to 3 inches (7.62 cm)
• Non-flying brake system: disc 8 inches (20.3 cm)

From the above models of downhill bikes, you can choose the right one for a particular participant and track. The presented units will provide comfortable and most reliable conditions. With a high degree of safety, the cyclist will be able to concentrate on the breathtaking competition.

If you decide to go downhill, then you will need to buy a special two-suspension downhill bike. To ensure the maximum, a downhill bike simply does not have the right to break down. On such a bike, you can pass tracks of any level of difficulty - its reliability is incredibly high. If you are not capable of such a level, then you may not even think about downhill. In addition, you need to think about buying special ones in particular.

This ranking lists the best downhill bikes. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are universal models from entry-level to professional levels from different price ranges. Before you buy a downhill bike, be sure to test your favorite model in a bike shop. It will be even better if you can go down some trails on it to experience all the possibilities of the bike.

Diamondback is known for producing the most best bikes for downhill. The Scapegoat is a reliable and dynamic bike that can handle the toughest trails. weapon class allows you to withstand the most strong blows blows. A low center of gravity increases , which is of no small importance during downhill skiing. The Fox DHX Air 5.0 shock can be finely adjusted and even locked out, which can come in handy when. Although the Scapegoat is designed for downhill, it can also be used in cross-country racing, high-speed climbs and other disciplines. The price of the Diamondback Scapegoat may be a little shocking - approximately $ 6,000 - the bike is not for everyone.

Rating: 5 / 5.

It is a hugely popular downhill bike of choice for many downhill enthusiasts around the world for its versatility, affordable price, high quality and specifications. The GT Force 3.0 handles the toughest trails with ease. Thanks to the Shimano drivetrain and Fox shock with lockout capability, the bike is equally comfortable going downhill or going uphill. GT has been able to offer benefits that most other brands lack. You can review many different models, but this bike will not yield to them in anything. Start your selection with GT Force 3.0 and compare other models you like with it.

Rating: 4.75 / 5.

The One-Twenty 1 from Cannondale is the ultimate bike in the RZ One-Twenty series. Thanks to the SmartFormed aluminum alloy, the frame is able to withstand even the most severe impacts that occur during the passage of the track. The frame has low weight, high rigidity and strength. Rockshox Monarch rear shock and Rockshox Gold front forks are highly adjustable; they can be blocked, which helps with climbing. This bike at least deserves to be tested before you move on.

Rating: 4.5 / 5.

The Trek Session bikes are top of the world rankings and are undoubtedly among the fastest. mountain bikes for downhill in the market. Standard 26" wheels give this bike agility and versatility on the trail. The front axle of the bike has a size of 20 mm, which ensures the accuracy of the bike control. With powerful hydraulic disc brakes, no weather will be a hindrance to you. Extensive adjustment options allow you to fine-tune the head tube angle. At around $4,500, the Session 8 is the cheapest model in the Session series.

Rating: 4.25 / 5.

If you only want to, then take a look at the Specialized Status 1. For its price of only $2,500, the bike has a lot of advantages. Specialized Status 1 can be used not only for downhill, but also for ordinary bike rides. If you want to buy an inexpensive downhill bike that is reliable and safe enough, then take a closer look at this model. However, if you are not limited in budget, then it is better to pay attention to more expensive and technologically advanced models. Its main drawback is the insufficiently rigid rear shock absorber, which is why it is inferior to the rest of the models from this rating.

Innovative technologies are gradually turning two-wheeled transport into a perfect means of transportation. Downhill bikes are proof of this. It allows you to ride for fun and at the same time perform dizzying stunts on the descents from the mountain peaks.

To get full satisfaction from the lesson extreme sports, you need to understand, for downhill. Let's try to understand this issue.

Briefly about downhill

Downhill - cycling sports discipline, main point which consists in high-speed overcoming of difficult sections of mountainous and rough terrain. Often the trails are crowded with snarled areas, slippery soil, scattered logs, contain slopes with a slope of about 45 degrees.

Frame

How reliable, comfortable and efficient a downhill bike will be while riding depends largely on the frame material. Consider the most common solutions.

1. Aluminum - for the manufacture of bicycles in this category, several material alloys are used. The popular sixth series frames use magnesium as an additional component, which contributes to increased strength and reduced weight of the structure. In the latest at the moment - the seventh series, zinc is used, which reduces the overall cost of the bike.
2. Steel - in the production of modern models, the material is practically not used, because, despite the margin of safety, it differs heavy weight. But if you choose an old downhill bike model range, such frames can still be found.
3. Carbon is an expensive material. However, the overpayment here is rather conditional, since such a solution allows you not to worry about the stability of the frame to mechanical damage. And the weight of the structure will be significantly lower compared to the same aluminum.
4. Chromol - in the past, the assembly of a downhill bike took place precisely on the basis of such a material, the main advantage of which is the absence of an effect during friction and bending. In other words, even if cracks appear at the joints of individual parts, they can be easily eliminated by welding without reducing the initial strength of the structure.

Suspension

A downhill bike is a means of transportation, which is characterized by the development of a speed of the order of 60 km / h and the performance of jumps from steep hills. In order for the bike to withstand such loads, special suspension systems are provided in the design.

One of the most common is a four-link suspension, which allows the wheel to move only up, without shifting towards the saddle. As for the popular single-lever systems, the latter provide ideal passage over uneven areas. IN this case the effect of swaying the bike when pedaling is much reduced.

Fork

The second mandatory component of a downhill bike after the frame is a two-crown one. Similar solutions are used in the assembly of motorcycles and allow increasing torsional rigidity.

wheels

Strong, weighty wheels are selected for a downhill bike. Load resistance indicators here depend on the correct choice of spokes, as well as on proper assembly.

It is difficult to give specific recommendations on the choice of wheels. Much depends on the style of skiing, the nature of the terrain on which the movement will be carried out. In most cases, it is enough to give preference to wheels of reputable manufacturers.

brakes

For downhill, they contain expensive, high-quality brake systems. It is imperative that they generate substantial force. Here you have to choose between four-piston and two-piston models. It is recommended to give preference to the more advanced and reliable first option.

gear shifters

In urban and mountain models bicycles are actively used both rear and front derailleurs. In a tough downhill discipline, they rely predominantly on the rear, since on fast descents there is no need to change the values ​​\u200b\u200bin a wide range.

Among the available systems that are highly reliable, it is worth noting the Sram X7 and Sram X9 switches. The choice of such options is due to stable operation and affordable cost.

Finally

Before buying a bike for downhill, you should take into account the specifics of the discipline. If desired, you can use the bike in everyday life. However, this is not very convenient and even somewhat difficult. So, for the development of tangible speed, you will have to pedal for a long time in a standing position. If you need to overcome long steep climbs, such a bike will make you go on foot. Therefore, when it is planned to engage in extreme driving several times a month, buying an expensive vehicle looks irrational.